January 13, 2020 at 7:30 PM - Loup City Public Schools Board of Education Regular Session

Discussion:  Lorraine Panowicz & Scott Friesen verified the public notice being published.

Discussion:  Cindy Ericson has filed a conflict of interest in regards to Ericson Ford.

Discussion:  Elizabeth Curlo teaches at the Junior/Senior High building in Spanish.  She shared with us the difference between traditional Spanish methods of instruction and the new GTM method she is using.  It is the first year of Somos curriculum which is written by teachers.  The units are designed to tell stories, translate and draw, and to learn Spanish as most people learned English.



 

Discussion:  Kyle Kowalski spoke about liking the Q&A session and asked people to be objective and for the board to note the feedback.  Tom Smedra spoke about the impact of taxes on farmers, Loup City businesses and thes impact on the community.  Jerry Dethlefs spoke about the community being torn apart, his disapproval of the Lease Purchase option, the need for a community vote instead of the board raping the farmers.  Diane Dethlefs spoke about declining enrollments, the justification the board has for an addition, the current economy the the high valuations.  Chris Obermiller spoke about concerns about the articles in the paper and their depiction of the community, the need for factual information in the paper and that the arguments are toxic and regional papers make Loup City look bad.  Amy Hostetler spoke about the One Act cast working so well together and their accomplishments.  She also invited the community to the Encore performance on January 19th at 3pm.  Kelli Loos spoke about misinformation, the need for a community meeting, making sure the teachers have the tools teachers need to be successful, and to utilize the buildings we have available.  Cheri Kowalski shared that her articles were based on facts,  the school board isn't listening and they have let down the partnership with CNCAP.  Trent Loos shared that the kids are watching,  told us a story about a wheat plant in regards to our conflict and to stand up for what you think is right.  Kim Henry spoke about people attending board members and being an informed citizen, the concern about the economy and bullying.  She asked people to share concerns with the board but work together.  She shared her concern abut test scores but talked about that being only a piece of schools.  Dusti VanSlyke shared her concern about the false information shared in articles and the expectations for teachers has changed and the teachers want a positive future for students.  She shared her concern about taxes as a farmer and the spirit keeping Arcadia supporting their school.  She shared her concerns about safety at the school as a parent of students there.













 

Discussion:  Ms. Simpson shared her concerns about some misinformation shared in the paper.  She shared some initiatives the board is curriculum writing last summer with English Language Arts and Math in the summer of 2019, Science and Social Studies in the summer of 2020.  Working with ESU 10 to instruct in the Marzano model of engagement and instructional model, new evaluation tool to be written and adopted this summer.  We are effectively implementing the Boys Town Social Skills model to address discipline concerns in discipline.  There is a committee to address summer school changes to provide inerventions.  In testing we are using the table of specs to map out the most priority of standards and the correct questioning techniques, achievement Level descriptors and data analysis by district which instructs our school improvement process.  When our curriculum does not meet our needs we are seeking out supplemental materials.

Discussion:  Mr Asche shared information about the MTSS process and curriculum changes at the high school to help us identify our students who are struggling and working to bring them up to standards.

Discussion:  Mr Reikofski discussed the Aimsweb results and the MTSS process to identify our students along with the Individual Reading Improvement Plans for students.

Discussion:  Most of the committees will meet this month.

Discussion:  The Loup City Public Schools invites the public to attend Coffee with the Superintendent on the following dates:
January 22, 7:30am in the Library Board Room
February 14, 7:30am in the Library Board Room
March 18, 7:30am in the Library Board Room
April 24, 7:30am in the Library Board Room
May 13, 7:30am in the Library Board Room

Discussion:  Both principals shared staffing models for the 2020-21 school year which stay fairly close at the secondary but in the elementary includes departmentalizing to allow for more intervention.

Discussion:  Ms. Simpson will be sharing the 20-21 school calendar with the calendar committee this next week.